Although modest in value compared to some of his paintings, the work represented a strong investment

Swann galleries' auction, A Century of American Prints concluded earlier this month in New York with a great range of works by legendary and important artists going under the hammer.

As we noted, the sale offered a great range of works by Picasso at prices which, whilst substantial enough, brought them within the reach of collectors and investors who would never be able to consider his eight- or nine-figure works on canvas.

There were dozens of pieces on offer ranging from $2,500.

Pablo Picasso's La Dame...

As we noted, a particular highlight was Picasso's La Dame la Collerette, which was expected to be the top lot, and given the $45,000 final price it clearly impressed bidders.

However it was not the top lot, that honour going to the similar work Homme la fraise which sparked a bidding war, leaving its $40,000-60,000 listing far behind to achieve a startling $144,000. It's not Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, but it's a very strong investment in its own right.